This August will mark my first full year of ministry with Calvary Chapel Cajabamba in Peru, and what a year it has been! After believing that God had called me to minister with the church in Cajabamba, I set out last August for Peru to join their ministry. From Sunday morning setup and takedown, to creating our VBS curriculum, to teaching and playing with our church kids and youth, to sharing my testimony with friends I made through playing volleyball locally, I got to be a part of advancing God’s kingdom in Cajabamba in numerous ways. I have been able to see Him save individuals, experience Him grow others in relationship with Him, and witness how He helps to meet even daily needs.
After serving in Cajabamba for a rich and fruitful eight months, the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19 influenced me to take the precautionary act of returning to the states until the severity of the pandemic situation subsided. Though the uncertainty around the corona virus continued, I felt more comfortable and led by the Lord to take the risk in returning. However, Peru’s continued border closure has prevented me from doing so. So, since April I have been waiting indefinitely to return, trying to maintain a mentality of temporary relocation while simultaneously attempting to be mentally and logistically prepared for what to do in case this short-term displacement prolongs into something more long-term. The reality of my stay here already lasting longer than hoped for, coupled with the approaching August end date of my contract, began to make me ask the Lord if returning to Peru truly was His plan for me. Were the uncontrolled circumstances indicators that it was time to re-direct, or was I to stay the course despite a really quite unknown and insecure future?
After much thought and prayer, I believe God has continued calling me to the ministry in Peru, and therefore I have decided to renew my commitment of serving with Calvary Chapel Cajabamba for at least another year, and I ask you to continue partnering with me for this next year. My timeline for returning is still uncertain, but in the meantime I will continue ministering remotely to the church and to those in Cajabamba through digital communications.
Financially, God kindly blessed me this past year with an abundant amount of support, and the excess of funds received I am now able to allot towards the support I need for this coming year. Also, for the past few months I reduced the amount of my monthly income in order to conserve funds to use for when I return. Due to these two sources, I now only have to raise $10,000 for this coming year! The funds raised help to cover my rent, groceries, insurance, travel expenses, as well as unexpected costs. They also allow me to help with local needs at times in Cajabamba, such as helping kids to buy school supplies, purchasing a meal or groceries for someone without food, contributing to our Christmas outreaches, and more.
If you feel led to make a financial contribution, click here.
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